Experience the silence in the Rub al Khali desert

With a surface area of 650,000 km2 Rub al Khali is one of the world’s largest sand deserts. Also known as the Empty Quarter, the desert stretches across Abu Dhabi, Oman, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Temperatures climb to +55°C and some of the giant dunes are higher than the Eiffel Tower. The profound silence that permeates your pores inspires contemplation and enjoyment. Few people come here and those who do are heading toward the unknown. Scientists compare the landscape to the circumstances on Mars. That is why early this year a team of two hundred scientists came here to test space suits, robots and a variety of equipment in preparation for a journey to the red planet.

But there’s another side to this desolate landscape. From Dubai, a three-hour trek through the desert ends at the enchanting five-star resort of Qasr Al Sarab, which sits at the heart of the Rub al Khali desert. Unsurpassed luxury and comfort characterise this oasis of tranquillity, bringing out the silence and the mystique of this enormous sand desert. Guests can embark on a variety of excursions including a desert race per truck across the impressive and steep sand dunes.

Between October and March desert safaris of one or several days across the Rub al Khali visit salt plains, sulphurous springs and fascinating sand dunes. The shaky ride and digging out the jeep in the scorching heat are more than compensated by unexpected run-ins with camels, spending the night under the star-strewn sky and climbing dune tops to admire the sunrise or sunset.

Interested? Contact your UNIGLOBE travel agent
 

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